Glasgow University staff demonstrate on University Avenue over campus changes

More than 50 GMB members held a lunchtime rally, walking along University Avenue to draw attention to what the union called "Victorian" work practices.

Janitors, security personnel, museum attendants, technical service workers and library staff took part to express concerns about proposals to restructure roles to keep the campus buildings open longer.

University of Glasgow GMB and Unite union members including janitors and other support staff pictured walking down University Avenue led by a piper Picture: Colin Mearns.13 May 2021

GMB Organiser John Slaven said: "It is morally wrong that the workers who kept this university functioning during this pandemic face this stress and uncertainty.

"These workers are key workers they are vital in supporting students and academic staff and now they face proposals that could brutally erode their terms and conditions.

"So much for their commitment during Covid.

University of Glasgow GMB and Unite union members including janitors and other support staff pictured walking down University Avenue led by a piper Picture: Colin Mearns.13 May 2021

"As for fixed term contracts which has workers strung along for years with no rights, they are barbaric and Victorian and should have no place in a modern workplace."

The university said it is proposing to restructure some roles to meet changes on campus, including calls to open some facilities for longer.

A review of working patterns intends to decrease reliance on overtime, the university said, and decrease unsociable or long hours staff are currently asked to work.

A Glasgow University spokesman said: “These proposals allow us to meet the changing demands of the modern workplace, including supporting new facilities and extended opening hours.

University of Glasgow GMB and Unite union members including janitors and other support staff pictured walking down University Avenue led by a piper Picture: Colin Mearns.13 May 2021

"We are also proposing to standardise roles, which will increase diversity, create a positive work/life balance and increase accessibility for people from a broad range of backgrounds.

"Throughout the review, we have engaged fully with colleagues to communicate changes and support where necessary, including upskilling, redeployment and opportunities for career progression."

Workers were piped from University Avenue to the James McCune Smith building where they were addressed by GMB Scottish Secretary Gary Smith.

University of Glasgow GMB and Unite union members including janitors and other support staff pictured walking down University Avenue led by a piper Picture: Colin Mearns.13 May 2021

Gary said: "GMB Scotland determination to protect workers terms and conditions continues, just like you worked so hard to keep the university functioning during this terrible pandemic.

"Without betraying confidences in earlier negotiations, someone from the senior management team said to one of our official it was good to get back on campus.

"We had to point our janitors, our security, our cleaners and our technical services people have been on campus since last March and if nothing else surely this demonstrates the value and worth you bring to this institution .

"And let us be clear and precise on what we say.

University of Glasgow GMB and Unite union members including janitors and other support staff pictured walking down University Avenue led by a piper Picture: Colin Mearns.13 May 2021

"GMB has seen the initial proposals and as it stands and will not agree with those proposals."

The union is asking for: an end to fixed term contracts; no job losses; should workers be required to work unsocial hours they should be compensated from being away from their families; and when changes are made to rosters and operation this should be done with consultation.